a medical librarian's adventures in evidence-based living

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February 24, 2010

The Research Behind the Benefits of a Little Touch - High-Fives, a Pat on the Back, a Touch of the Arm

"Researchers have begun to focus on a different, often more subtle kind of wordless communication: Physical contact. Momentary touches, they say--whether an exuberant high five, a warm hand on the shoulder, or a creepy touch to the arm--can communicate an even wider range of emotion than gestures or expressions, and sometimes do so more quickly and accurately than words."

"It is the first language we learn, our richest means of emotional expression throughout life."

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A few weeks ago one of the research psychologists where I work told me that everyone in her department is convinced about the power of massage. And not for relieving muscle aches. She said massage produces so many positive hormones--like oxytocin--and lowers negative ones--like cortisol, that she considers it preventive medicine, not a luxury.

She has a monthly standing appointment for herself--having seen the tremendous benefits of massage on patients with chronic pain and heart failure.

I've been sharing her story with all my friends--and after reading Benedict Carey's story on the benefits of touch in yesterday's New York Times--I'm sharing both, with you. Read Carey's short piece, and I guarantee you won't think about a hand on the shoulder in the same way ever again.

The Research on Touch

Students who receive a supportive touch on the back or arm from a teacher are nearly twice as likely to volunteer in class than those who were not touched.

A sympathetic touch from doctors leaves patients with the impression that the visit lasted twice as long compared to those who were not touched.

A massage from a loved one can ease pain, soothe depression, and strengthen a relationship.

The best basketball teams tend to touch more than the worst teams. The "touchiest" teams are currently the best: the Boston Celtics and the LA Lakers. And the "touchiest" player in the NBA is Kevin Garnett of the Celtics. "Within 600 milliseconds of shooting a free throw, Garnett has reached out and touched four guys," according to Dr. Dacher Keltner, whose paper on touch in the NBA will be published in May 2010. And in case you're wondering--it's not that the best teams touch more because they are winning--the researchers controlled for this in their study. But they're aren't ready yet to conclude that touch improves performance.

Touch releases oxytocin, the hormone that creates a sense of trust--and it reduces cortisol, the hormone of stress. Exactly what the research psychologist told me a few weeks ago!

Couples who touch more have more satisfying relationships. Take note! But, it's not clear yet if there's a causal effect.

The Science Behind Why We Touch--Why We're Wired For Touch

Touch reduces stress--oxytocin is released, we relax, we feel good, we feel bonded.

When stress is reduced, the brain is better able to think & problem-solve.

When we receive a supportive touch, we unconsciously think, "OK, I can share the load." Who knew?

According to psychologist James A. Coan of the University of Virginia, "We think that humans build relationships precisely for this reason, to distribute problem-solving across brains. We are wired to literally share the processing load, and this is the signal we're getting when we receive support through touch."

Comments

This is no surprise to this massage therapist. We see it every day in our work, it is part of our training(which includes Dr. Fields' research), and our experience helps us to notice it outside the treatment room.

My favorite example of "touch seeking" is men getting haircuts. Besides sports, this is an acceptable way for a guy to get touched. I've noticed the interaction and appreciation in barber shops, and I've met very, very tough young men who cut each other's hair. All rather like an anthropological study of primate grooming, but very heartening.

I'm glad to hear about the department where you work being such believers in massage therapy, especially with their medical expertise. The massage profession has been trying to get this message out, but the image remains common within the medical establishment and the public that massage is only a luxury.

For a great essay that integrates several studies on the power of subtle touches (and touch, in general) see Diane Ackerman's "A Natural History of the Senses". The entire book is fabulous, but the section on touch is by far my favorite. The book is a real treasure - the science of the five senses really comes alive.

As another Massage Therapist stumbling across your blog, I agree also whole-heartedly.

To me, one of the closest forms of safe touch I have ever experienced is during Watsu, where one is cradled, stretched, massaged, danced, and, sometimes just holding stillness in the 98 degree warm pool...all passively... for an hour??? It is intense. I believe one of the goals of great Watsu is to facilitate a "Kundalini Rising" experience for the client. It is a deep meditation, while being held basically!